Colo reps: Army ignoring Congress on training site

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—U.S. Reps. John Salazar and Betsy Markey accused the Army on Friday of ignoring the wishes of Congress by pushing ahead with plans to expand a southeast Colorado training site.

The Colorado Democrats asked a House oversight committee to investigate why the Army was still trying to buy or lease more land for the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site despite a moratorium imposed by Congress on spending for the project.

Markey accused the Army of showing a "blatant disregard" for Congress and an "apparent willingness to violate the trust of the people of southern Colorado."

An Army spokesman didn't immediately respond to a telephone message left after hours Friday.

The Army wants to expand the 370-square-mile site to about 525 square miles, saying it needs more room to accommodate new weapons, new tactics and additional soldiers. The site is used by Fort Carson.

Opponents say the expansion would hurt the regional economy and local governments by taking so much land out of agricultural production and off the tax rolls. They also say it would cause environmental damage.

Congress passed a moratorium on spending on the Pinon Canyon expansion project in January 2008 in the face of local opposition.

Army Assistant Secretary Keith Eastin said earlier Friday that the military wants to sign long-term leases to expand the site, rather than buying more land.

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Leasing might keep the land on the tax rolls because the land would remain in private hands.

"We are talking to a number of landowners about their concerns and how we might work together to meet those concerns," Eastin said during a visit to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, where he was inspecting construction projects.

He said he thinks some ranchers are ready to make a deal.

"If my read is correct, there is a general interest in lowering the volume and making this a win-win," he said.

Eastin said the military would expect to lease the land for decades rather than months.

"Not 99 years, but long term," he said. "Long enough to amortize our investment."

Salazar said Army officials asked him to endorse a lease agreement for the land, but he declined.

Rancher Lon Robertson, president of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition, said leasing is just as bad as buying.

"It's beyond belief that Mr. Eastin continues to throw it in the face of people down here," he said.

Robertson said the Army should use training sites it already has in other areas.

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